It has been more than 2,400 years since Plato demanded to know who will watch the watchmen. The question is suddenly taking on a modern flavor, as nursing homes, hospitals, doctors and other providers line up to decry the practices of Recovery Audit Contractors.

Auditors reviewing Medicare and Medicaid claims from electronic health records are largely treating them in the same manner as paper claims, even though they pose unique risks for overbilling and fraud, according to a government report released Wednesday.

An advocacy group for independent Medicare auditors has sharply criticized two bills that would put new controls on Recovery Audit Contractors. The Medicare Audit Improvement Act of 2013 was introduced in the House of Representatives in March. A Senate version of the bill was introduced last month. The bill would rein in auditors and improve transparency, which have been provider concerns.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced late Friday new rules aimed at stopping improper Medicaid payments to providers. Taking a page from the Medicare program, regulators have proposed using Medicaid Recovery Audit Contractors (RACs).